You don’t need a large yard or massive garden beds to create a beautiful garden. You can surround yourself with nature’s beauty by creating a lush oasis or a serene garden retreat in a small space. Small gardens abound in cityscapes where garden space is at a premium, but they can also be a joy for home owners with larger yards. In larger landscapes, small gardens can be used to frame entry areas, showcase prized plants, differentiate outdoor “rooms” or create intimate corners that invite pleasant conversation and quiet reflection. ...read more

Indicative of changing weather and temperature patterns, March set high temperature records across much of the U.S. Chicago, where early spring temperatures rarely climb above 50, saw the mercury rise to 80 degrees F. an unprecedented eight times during March. From America’s eastern plains, across the Midwest and South and into New England, unseasonably warm temperatures caused bulbs to bloom and perennial plants to start growing a full month ahead of schedule. ...read more

Many avid gardeners are chomping at the bit to get planting after having been trapped inside for several months of winter cold.There are some preparatory steps that you should be ready to focus on prior to diving right into spring planting if you want the most successful and beautiful garden possible though. ...read more

Hostas and Hardy Ferns are the usual stars of shady garden areas. Their lush, green, leafy growth provides dependable filler in garden areas that receive little to no sunshine. However, over-use of these two shade garden stalwarts has diminished their star power. When we see a bed of hostas spreading under a shady maple, we’re more apt to think “ho-hum” than “wow.” There’s no reason not to use hostas and ferns in shade plantings, but perhaps it’s time to relegate them to the background chorus and introduce some new stars to shade gardens. ...read more

Jack Frost has finally danced his chilly fingers through the garden gate and blown his frozen breath over those hardy late bloomers. The first frost turns gardens into a magical fairy land. Heuchera, also known as coral bells, acquire an icy white rim, and Asters appear to have been dipped in diamond dust, so brightly do they sparkle in the first rays of the sun. Unfortunately, the magic doesn’t last long. Heat from the rising sun quickly melts those frosty crystals, leaving behind a sodden mess. ...read more

There are still a few weeks left to enjoy your fall garden but killing frosts are fast approaching. It’s time to get your garden beds ready for winter. These final pleasant fall weekends provide an excellent opportunity to trim and prepare plants for the cold days ahead. ...read more

It can be difficult to find plants that will thrive under mature trees, along walls that lack sun exposure and in other shady spots in your garden. The beautiful Hosta (Plantain Lily) with its low-growing, lush green leaves is the perfect plant choice for shady garden areas. ...read more

Garden centers at local stores are
setting up their bulb displays, encouraging gardeners to start planning spring
gardens. After a long, dreary winter, spring-flowering tulips, daffodils and
other bulbs are a cheerful harbinger of the fragrant annuals and perennials to
come. ...read more